Delhi approves SMC funds for government schools

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) To empower the schools and to lessen red-tape, the Delhi government on Tuesday approved the School Management Committee (SMC) Funds, under which the SMCs will get at least Rs 5 lakh per annum per shift.

Through the funds, the schools can take care of their various needs on their own, said an official statement from the Delhi government.

"The funds for the schools running in two shifts will be Rs 10 lakh (Rs five lakh for each shift SMC)," it said.

The amount to be given will depend on the number of students in the school.

"Schools having 1,500 students will get Rs 5 lakh, those having 2,500 students will get Rs 6 lakhs and those having students more than 2,500 will get Rs 7 lakhs," it said.

The SMC is headed by the Principal/Head of the School (HoS) and consists of two teachers, two social workers and 12-elected parents.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia said it will empower the Principal and the SMC a lot.

"They would be able to take care of small requirements of the schools on their own and won't have to run to the directorate for every small issue," he told media.

According to the norms set by the latest decision, 50 per cent of the amount would be spent on the works related to maintenance and 50 per cent on SMC initiatives.

The work on which the money is to be spent will be decided by the HoS and the SMC.

"Maintenance works will include things like maintenance of blackboard, small breakages and such other things.

"Under the SMC initiative, the school will be able to use the money for engaging expert guest lectures, expert teachers, subject experts and so on," he said.